Fresh wild whole sockeye salmon sold by the pound at the Costco seafood counter. The fish is sold intact and whole, requiring cleaning and preparation before cooking. Like all Costco fresh seafood, it has been flash-frozen at sea shortly after catch to kill parasites and preserve peak quality, then thawed for sale.

Wild sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is prized for its rich, complex, and distinctly classic salmon flavor. Its deep red flesh is the result of a natural diet of krill and shrimp rich in carotenoids — no artificial coloring is added. Sockeye salmon filets are thinner and firmer in texture than farmed Atlantic salmon, with a leaner nutritional profile and more concentrated flavor. The skin is excellent when cooked and crisps up beautifully in a cast iron skillet or under the broiler.

Wild sockeye salmon is sustainably caught in the waters of Alaska or the Pacific Northwest and is designated a "Best Choice" by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Research indicates that wild sockeye provides up to 730mg of omega-3s per 3-ounce serving, supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and healthy inflammation response. Cook whole salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F per FDA guidelines, or to 120°F for optimal moisture and texture.